James Coleman

Youth civic engagement and the Youth Commission

SB 965 — Public library cards legislation

Candidates flagged limited event funding and reliance on the Friends of the Library endowment.

Library funding, hours and outreach

The Friends of the Library holds several hundred thousand dollars in bonds that the mayor wants put to work, and expanded hours would require new staffing money.

Parks and Recreation Master Plan

$406,755 from the city budget, with community outreach possibly using the contingency.

October 2026 Art Show awards

Measure W Funding for Aquatic Center Operations

A free swim program could carry a notable cost; staff are still analyzing the financial impact.

Concert in the Park success and turf protection

The event was made possible by a $250,000 Genentech donation, with $200,000 for the concert and $50,000 for the July 4th event.

Median landscaping condition and maintenance contract

The new landscaping contract totals up to $1,546,279.64 over two years.

Youth soccer field access and affordability

The city's fee-free field policy keeps youth sports affordable but forgoes rental revenue other cities collect.

Public art representation of South City's communities

New public art is funded by the 1% set-aside from capital project construction costs.

Sign Hill letters temporary red, white and blue painting

Painting and repainting costs about $4,000 each plus labor, but a donation covers the first painting and the repaint is budgeted.

Teen programming and wellness retreat idea

Library Grants and Donations

$25,250 total in donations and grants for library collections, programs and services.

Dedicated pickleball courts at Orange Memorial Park

About $1 million, fully covered by park construction fees — no general fund impact.

Café at the Library/Parks & Recreation Center

Proposed deal would bring in modest rent ($240/month plus 3-4% of sales); the mayor wants to explore bigger revenue potential.

Orange Memorial Park Restroom Renovation

Up to $258,587, mostly federal COVID-era CDBG-CV funds plus $80,355 in previously allocated city money.

2026 council priorities

Most items were framed as not requiring new money this year, though child care grants and staffing studies could cost millions later.

2026 Cultural Arts Program Annual Work Plan

No specific dollar figures were listed on the published agenda.

Public art and literacy amenities at Westborough

$75,000 from existing project budget for the mural, $5,000 for Little Libraries, and $10,000 in grant funds for books.

Neurodivergent community accessibility in programs